Science & Technology

Scientists discover what is thought to be a whole new state of consciousness

By T.K. Randall
May 1, 2025

Image: AI-generated (Bing AI / Dall-E 3) Ever had a dream in which you actually become aware that you are dreaming and can directly influence the events you are experiencing ? This is known as lucid dreaming.

Now, new research from the Netherlands has determined that lucid dreaming is not just another sleep state as was previously believed but is instead a whole new state of consciousness that is totally different to that experienced while we are awake or sleeping normally.

By recording brain activity patterns during lucid dreaming, the researchers were able to identify unique changes in beta brain waves (linked to waking consciousness and alertness) in regions of the brain responsible for such things as spatial awareness, sense of touch and self-perception.Evidence of heightened focus and consciousness in the medial prefrontal cortex was also found.

"This research opens the door to a deeper understanding of lucid dreaming as an intricate state of consciousness by pointing to the possibility that conscious experience can arise from within sleep itself," said study lead researcher Cagatay Demirel of Radboud University Medical Center.

"This work offers a perspective that could challenge the traditional binary view of sleep and wakefulness."

It is hoped that the findings will open up a whole new avenue of research into the nature of consciousness and the functionality of the brain.

Source: Mail Online

Tags: Lucid Dreaming